Paris Saint-Germain coasted to a win over Auxerre on Saturday to return to the top of the Ligue 1 table, while Monaco slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Lorient.
Illia Zabarnyi and Lucas Beraldo netted in the holders’ 2-0 win over Auxerre, while Monaco, who were down to ten-men following Thilo Kherer’s red card, fell to a 3-1 defeat against Lorient.
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“Auxerre defended well but we played very well in the circumstances. I am pleased with what I saw,” added Luis Enrique.
PSG, who have been plagued by injuries will have to make do with a rather thin squad against Spanish champions Barcelona when the sides clash in the UEFA Champions League fixture.
“Unfortunately I can’t say anything.
We need to wait for the medical staff to tell us tomorrow or the day after what kind of injuries they have,” said Luis Enrique.
“We have to stay positive because we need to be able to manage this situation,” he added of the injuries piling up.
“Paris Saint-Germain are not the only team with injuries. It is the case for every team with such an intense calendar.”
The result allowed Luis Enrique’s team to move three points clear at the top of the table after six games this season, ahead of a quartet of clubs including Marseille, Monaco, Lyon, and Strasbourg.
Marseille came from behind to win 2-1 in Strasbourg on Friday, temporarily moving to the top of the table thanks to Amir Murillo’s decisive goal in stoppage time. Monaco suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Lorient earlier on Saturday.
Fresh from winning the Ballon d’Or earlier this week, Ousmane Dembele was among the PSG stars watching from the stands at the Parc des Princes as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury.
Desire Doue, captain Marquinhos, and Joao Neves were also missing for Luis Enrique’s team, while stand-in captain Vitinha was substituted in the first half and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was replaced at half-time.
PSG hopes to have both players fit for the upcoming game in Barcelona on Wednesday, with their squad currently looking thin. Spanish midfield star Fabian Ruiz also sat out Saturday’s game.
Teenagers Senny Mayulu and Ibrahim Mbaye were among the starters for PSG against Auxerre, while youngsters Quentin Ndjantou and Mathis Jangeal were given senior debuts off the bench in the second half.
Zabarnyi opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, finishing a Vitinha cross following a short corner. Brazilian centre-back Beraldo then headed home from a Mayulu cross early in the second half, leaving Auxerre with too much to do.
The visitors did have chances to reduce the deficit, with Kevin Danois hitting the post and Cameroon international Danny Namaso forcing a good save from home goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Monaco played most of their game with 10 men in their defeat at Lorient after captain Thilo Kehrer was sent off for a second yellow card late in the first half. Lorient went ahead moments later with a goal from Mohamed Bamba, and substitute Pablo Pagis scored a late brace to secure a fine win for the newly-promoted hosts.
On-loan Barcelona forward Ansu Fati pulled one back for Monaco with a stoppage-time penalty, but his fourth goal in the last three games in all competitions was scant consolation. The principality side, for whom Paul Pogba has yet to make his debut after arriving in the close season, have now conceded nine goals in their last three matches as they prepare to host Manchester City in the Champions League midweek. Toulouse and Nantes drew 2-2 in Saturday’s other game in the French top flight.
